Rural or semi rural places to live in Shropshire/Staffordshire/Norfolk?

[CarinaMarina]

We would like to move somewhere quite rural, at least compared to where we are now which is just outside a city in the south.

We can save a bit of money moving further north, and we only want a smallish detached house or bungalow with a bit of garden, in a location close to good walking. But not really knowing the areas very well, I've no idea whether what Right Move is churning out is going to be right - for example, my search criteria brings up a few properties in Telford, but I believe that is quite built up. Similarly Stoke comes up a lot and the properties are decent, but what's it like?

We didn't necessarily want to go all the way over to Norfolk but wouldn't rule it out. We saw a lovely bungalow there but it was purchase by Modern Means of Auction...yikes.

Any ideas, what areas should I look out for?

You see, that puts it so much more in perspective! I told DH I should obtain MN wisdom and even he (captain dismissive, bless him) was interested in the replies.

Family is central South really - but we also have family in Shropshire and Norfolk, so it's horses for courses. Scotland is our favourite holiday haunt.

We just want a quieter more rural lifestyle really. I'll have a closer look at the greener areas between Leeds and Manchester...

York to London is 1hr 50m and you have the North Yorkshire Moors and the coast nearby. Shropshire is less well connected

Shropshire is very much out on a limb travel wise, especially the cheaper bits west of the A49. It is pretty central though.

300k would make a massive difference to what you can get for your money though.